Zebra Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Zebra cookies are a delightful treat featuring a striking swirl of vanilla and chocolate dough that bake into perfectly striped, tender cookies. They combine simple ingredients to create an elegant look and delicious flavor that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Step 4: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until the dough forms.
6. Step 6: Divide the dough into two equal portions.
7. Step 7: Add the cocoa powder and milk to one portion and mix until fully incorporated to create the chocolate dough.
8. Step 8: Roll both dough portions into small balls, about 1 inch in size.
9. Step 9: Roll the balls of vanilla dough and chocolate dough together to form a “log” shape.
10. Step 10: Slice the dough logs into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
11. Step 11: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges.
12. Step 12: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• For more defined stripes, chill the dough logs in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before slicing.
• Substitute half the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a richer flavor.
• Add a pinch of instant espresso powder to the chocolate dough to enhance the cocoa taste.
• If you prefer a softer cookie, reduce baking time by 1-2 minutes.

Storage

Store the cooled zebra cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Reheat frozen cookies briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to restore their texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce or omit the added salt in the dry ingredients to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty.

Can these cookies be made gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best results.

Zebra Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 737 reviews

These Zebra Cookies are a delightful treat featuring a unique striped pattern created by combining vanilla and chocolate doughs. Soft, buttery, and slightly crisp on the edges, these cookies are perfect for any occasion and are sure to impress with their beautiful marbled design.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate even baking.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, ensuring a tender cookie texture.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix the egg and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar until fully incorporated, creating a smooth batter.
5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until the dough forms—avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
6. Divide Dough: Split the dough into two equal portions for the vanilla and chocolate parts.
7. Make Chocolate Dough: Add cocoa powder and milk to one portion and mix until the chocolate dough is fully combined and smooth.
8. Shape Dough Balls: Roll both the vanilla and chocolate doughs into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
9. Form Zebra Logs: Roll one vanilla dough ball and one chocolate dough ball together to form a striped “log” shape, creating the signature zebra effect.
10. Slice Cookies: Cut the dough logs into 1/4-inch thick rounds and arrange them spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
11. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating they are done.
12. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• Ensure butter is softened, not melted, for the best texture.
• Chill the dough if it becomes too soft to handle easily.
• Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to a week.
• For a richer chocolate flavor, use Dutch-processed cocoa powder.

Keywords: Zebra Cookies, striped cookies, chocolate vanilla cookies, baked cookies, easy cookie recipe